Seems to me like everyone really didn’t like the idea of the Edmonton Oilers trading Evan Bouchard.
Well sit back and enjoy. Welcome to another mock trade article for the young defender.
Before I continue, I don’t hate Evan Bouchard. I think he has some really strong points to his game and can easily become a really good player in a couple seasons. The problem I have is his lack of defensive awareness. Yes, he’s young, but that’s no excuse for the amount of puck battles he loses and his lack of intensity in his own end. His contract extension will likely look like a 7-8 year deal worth around $6.5M AAV, and I don’t think he’s worth that. I’d give him a bridge deal, and go from there when it’s over. If he doesn’t want to work with that, then you have a major problem, and they could lose him for nothing if he holds out and a team offer sheets him.
This trade sees the Washington Capitals acquiring Bouchard in a move that gives them a new power play quarterback and someone that can play in their top 4. The Caps weak D core has hurt them in years past, and it’s likely they try and make a move to improve it this season assuming they look like contenders come the trade deadline.
As I’ve mentioned before, Bouchard would likely bring back some decent assets but nothing too insane. Fehevary has a lot of room to improve and would likely thrive in the Oilers system. Jonsson-Fjallby is someone I really like as a player and I think could turn into a strong depth piece when the Oilers need it. The 2nd Round Pick is just a sweetener, and kind of evens the deal out. In 2023, the draft class is stacked. So a 2nd rounder is going to be really valuable.